How to be yourself around the guy you like

When you first met that cute guy in your history class, you probably were a little shy. You might have laughed at his corny jokes, nodded while he talked about some band you had never heard of and agreed to go to a movie you didn't care about when he finally asked you out.

It’s OK to step outside of your comfort zone when you first meet someone. It’s OK to try new things. At the end of the day, though, a good relationship means that both of you feel completely comfortable and confident around each other. If you are having trouble being yourself, here a few easy ways to show him who you really are.

Pick the dates every now and then
Plan a day together where you two do what you want to do. Walk around the park, eat some ice cream or go to a movie that you’ve been dying to see. If you are open to his interests, then he should be open to yours.

Speak your mind
In a new relationship, avoiding confrontation is tempting, but ignoring certain issues can be super unhealthy and leads to bigger problems down the road. Instead, when something makes you uncomfortable, speak up even if it takes you a while to process the situation and figure out exactly what you want to say to him. If he’s worth your time, he will value your thoughts and be more considerate. Your relationship will only become stronger.

Keep up with your friends
Because you and this guy just started going out, it’s natural for you to spend a lot of time together getting to know one another and appreciating your new relationship. Don’t forget to spend some time with your friends, though, especially the ones who were there for you before you met him. Remaining close with them will keep you grounded, reminding you of who you really are.

Don’t hide your
weirdness!
Embrace the things about yourself that you try to hide, like your strange sense of humor, obsession with Star
Wars or love of wallabies. All of these things make you unique and, you never know, maybe he feels the same way!

Think of any other
ways you can be yourself with a new boy in your life? Let us know in the
comments below!